Business, School of | Catalog 2012-13

253.535.7244

www.plu.edu/busa

MISSION

The School of Business provides a supportive learning experience that challenges each student to (a) acquire relevant business skills, (b) apply them to create sustainable value, and (c) prepare for a purposeful life of achievement, inquiry, integrity, leadership, and service. We are especially committed to scholarship, innovation, and a global perspective.

BACHELOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION DEGREE
OVERALL REQUIREMENTS

A minimum of 128 semester hours.
An overall minimum grade point average of 2.50.
A minimum 2.50 grade point average separately in business courses.
C- minimum grade in all business courses.
At least 56 semester hours in required and elective business-related subjects; 40 semester hours from B.B.A. core and 16 semester hours of business electives.
A minimum of 28 semester hours in business must be taken in residence at PLU.
Business degree and concentration requirements are established at time of major declaration.
Students with a declared major in business who have not attended the university for a period of three years or more will be held to the business degree requirements in affect at the time of re-entry to the university. Transfer and continuing students should see the catalog under which they entered the program and consult with the undergraduate coordinator regarding degree requirements.
Upper-division business course access is limited to students who have been admitted to the School of Business with a cumulative grade point average of 2.50 or above, and who have met the required prerequisites, and who maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.50 or above.

ADMISSION CRITERIA

The professional Bachelor of Business Administration degree program is composed of an upper-division business curriculum with a strong base in the liberal arts.

To be admitted to the School of Business, a student must:

be officially admitted to the university, and
have completed at least 32 semester credit hours, and
have successfully completed BUSA 201, CSCE 120, ECON 101, MATH 128, STAT 231, or their equivalents with a minimum grade of C-.
have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.50, and
submit an application to the School of Business.

Upper-division business course access is limited to students who have been admitted to the School of Business with a cumulative grade point average of 2.50 or above, and who have met the required prerequisites, and who maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.50 or above.

BACHELOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION MAJOR

Foundation and Other Course Requirements

Foundation courses may also satisfy the General Education Program (GenEd). See General Education Program section of this catalog.

Required Foundation Courses to Declare the Major
16 semester hours

BUSA 201: Introduction to Business in the Global Environment (4) (semester hours counted in BBA Core)
CSCE 120: Computerized Information Systems (4)
ECON 101: Principles of Microeconomics (4)
MATH 128: Linear Models and Calculus, An Introduction (4) or MATH 151: Introduction to Calculus (4)
(MATH 151 recommended for finance concentration)
STAT 231: Introductory Statistics (4)

Foundation Courses Required to Graduate
8 semester hours

PHIL 225: Business Ethics (4)
COMA 235: Communication in Professional Settings (4)

B.B.A Core
40 semester hours

BUSA 201: Introduction to Business in the Global Environment (4) (Required to declare the major. Also listed in foundation courses; may be offered as BUSA 190)
BUSA 202: Financial Accounting (4)
BUSA 203: Managerial Accounting (4)
BUSA 302: Business Finance (4)
BUSA 303: Business Law and Ethics (4) or BUSA 304: Business Law and Ethics for Financial Professionals (4)
BUSA 305: Behavior in Organizations (4)
BUSA 308: Principles of Marketing (4)
BUSA 309: Creating Value in Operations (4)
BUSA 310: Information Systems and Database Management (4)
BUSA 499: Capstone: Strategic Management (4)

B.B.A. Elective Requirement: Any 16 semester hours of upper-division business electives, or any non-business elective courses approved by a student’s faculty advisor. Minimum of 12 semester hours elective in business required. Internships encouraged but do not apply to the elective requirement.

CONCENTRATIONS
16 to 24 semester hours

By taking an approved set of electives (see concentration listings that follow) beyond the 40 semester hour core, a student satisfies the B.B.A. elective requirement and earns a concentration designation in one of the following: Accounting, Finance, Management and Human Resources, Marketing, and Individualized

Concentration Requirements

Multiple concentrations are allowed
3.00 GPA required in the concentration area courses
C- is the minimum acceptable grade in any concentration course
A minimum of 12 semester hours of the total concentration requirements must be taken in residency at PLU
All B.B.A. degree overall requirements
Internship highly recommended but does not apply toward concentrations’ requirements

Accounting
24 semester hours

BUSA 320: Accounting Information Systems (4)
BUSA 321: Intermediate Accounting I (4)
BUSA 322: Intermediate Accounting II (4)
BUSA 422: Consolidations and SEC Reporting (4)
BUSA 424: Auditing (4)
BUSA 427: Tax Accounting (4)
Recommend students also take electives:
- BUSA 323: Cost Accounting and Control Systems (4)
- BUSA 423: Accounting for Non-profits and Government Entities (4)
NOTE: BUSA 304 is required as B.B.A. Core Law option

Finance
20 semester hours

BUSA 335: Investments and Portfolio Management (4)
BUSA 437: Financial Analysis and Strategy (4)
BUSA 438: Empirical Finance or ECON 344: Econometrics (4)
And 8 semester hours from the following:
- BUSA 321: Intermediate Accounting I (4)
- BUSA 337: International Finance and Risk Management (4)
- BUSA 430: Finance for Entrepreneurial and Privately-held Firms (4)
- ECON 322: Money and Banking (4) or ECON 344: Econometrics (4)
- Note: Only 4 semester hours from ECON may be applied to the concentration; either ECON 322 or 344, but not both.
Recommended:
- MATH 151/152 as substitute for MATH 128
- BUSA 304 as law alternative
- ECON 302. Note: ECON 102 is a prerequisite for ECON 302, 322 (or consent of instructor), and 344
- Minors in economics and/or mathematics

Management and Human Resources
16 semester hours

BUSA 342: Managing Human Resources (4)
And 12 semester hours from the following (at least 8 semester hours from BUSA):
- BUSA 340: Non-profit Management (4)
- BUSA 352: Global Management (4)
- BUSA 358: Entrepreneurship (4)
- BUSA 442: Leading Organizational Improvement (4)
- BUSA 449: Strategic Human Resource Management (4)
- ECON 321: Labor Economics (4)
- Note: Recommended track for human resource professional includes: BUSA 342, 440, 442, 449, and ECON 321

Marketing
16 semester hours

BUSA 363: Consumer Behavior (4)
BUSA 467: Marketing Research (4)
BUSA 468: Marketing Management (4)
And 4 semester hours from the following:
- BUSA 361: e-Marketing (4)
- BUSA 362: Sustainable Marketing (4)
- BUSA 364: Services Marketing (4)
- BUSA 460: International Marketing (4)

Individualized
16 semester hours

Hours must be upper-division electives in purposeful selection. Proposal must be made in advance and not later than second semester of the junior year. Proposal to include statement of objectives, rationale, program of study, and endorsement of a business faculty sponsor. Requires approval of the dean or his/her designate. Only 4 semester hours of independent study, if approved, may apply to the concentration. Variations on existing concentrations are not acceptable.

Minimum Grade Point Average Required for Upper-division Courses

Pass/Fail of Foundation Classes

Pass/Fail is allowed for no more than one foundation class from MATH 128, CSCE 120, ECON 101 or STAT 231 only, and as defined in the Pass/Fail section of this catalog. Other foundation and business courses may not be taken Pass/Fail, except for BUSA 495: Internship which is only offered Pass/Fail.

Continuing Student Grade Point Average (GPA) Requirement

Declared business majors will be placed on School of Business probation after the first semester or term of cumulative GPA below 2.50. After two semesters or terms of cumulative GPA below 2.50, students will be dropped from the business program so they may pursue other degree options. Students who subsequently raise their cumulative GPA to 2.50 or above may reapply to the School of Business.

MINORS
20 semester hours minimum

All courses in a minor must be completed with a grade of C- or higher. A cumulative grade point average of 2.50 for all courses in a minor is required; and at least 12 semester hours must be completed in residence. Internships and Independent Study do not apply to the minors.

Business Administration Minor
A minimum of 20 semester hours in business courses, including:

BUSA 201: Introduction to Business in the Global Environment (4)
BUSA 202: Financial Accounting (4)
BUSA 305: Behavior in Organizations (4)
BUSA 308: Principles of Marketing (4)
And any 4 semester hours from accounting courses or upper-division business courses in addition to those listed above. See Business Minor rules above.

Specialized Minor in Business Administration
A minimum of 20 semester hours in business courses, including BUSA 201

Specific business courses shall be designated by the School of Business faculty in consultation with the chair or dean of the discipline in which the student is majoring. See Business Minor rules above.

Go to https://www.plu.edu/communication-theatre/ for the Specialized Business Minor in Marketing.

Accounting Certificate Program
24 semester hours

The Accounting Certificate Program is available for students who hold a baccalaureate degree, or are pursuing, a baccalaureate degree (any field) and wish to complete the accounting course educational requirements to sit for the Certified Public Account (CPA) examination. Requirements for the certificate include: 24 semester hours from BUSA 202, 203, 320, 321, 322, 323, 422, 423, 424, and 427; a cumulative 3.00 GPA in accounting courses; and a minimum of C- in any course. Please note that there are additional courses and experience requirements to sit for the CPA exam which are not met by this certificate program; completion of these other requirements is the student’s responsibility. Contact the School of Business at 253.535.7244 for further information.

Business (BUSA) – Undergraduate

Upper-division Prerequisites: All upper-division business courses have the following prerequisites: BUSA 201, 202, and 203; CSCE 120; ECON 101; MATH 128 or 151; STAT 231; or permission of School of Business dean or his/her designate. Declared business majors may apply to co-enroll in BUSA 203 and one or more of the following: BUSA 302 (junior standing required), 303 or 304, 305, 308.

Business (BUSA) Undergraduate-Level Courses

BUSA 190 : Inquiry Seminar - F

A four-credit seminar to introduce students to the methods and topics of study within a particular academic discipline or field. Students practice the academic skills that are at the center of the General Education Program. (4)

BUSA 201 : Introduction to Business in the Global Environment

Understanding business in the global marketplace and how functions and applications contribute to mission. Introduction to domestic and global economic, competitive, social, cultural, political and legal environments of the business enterprise, and how to integrate ethical and socially responsible behavior in the business environment. Opportunity to reflect on professional goals and explore potential careers in business. (4)

BUSA 202 : Financial Accounting

Accounting for financial performance for the use of external decision-makers considering investment in a business organization. Origins and uses of financial information; accounting concepts and principles; logic, content, and format of financial statements; accounting issues in the U.S. and other nations. Prerequisite: MATH 128 or co-enrollment in MATH 128. (4)

BUSA 203 : Managerial Accounting

Introduction to the use of accounting data for decision making, managerial planning, and operational control. Topics include cost-volume-profit relationships, operational budgeting, capital budgeting, and performance evaluation. Familiarity with Microsoft Excel or other spreadsheet software is required. Prerequisites: BUSA 202, CSCE 120 or competency by exam. (4)

BUSA 287 : Special Topics in Business

To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)

BUSA 288 : Special Topics in Business

Seminar on selected topic in business. (1 to 4)

BUSA 289 : Special Topics in Business

BUSA 291 : Directed Study

To provide individual undergraduate students with introductory study not available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as DS: followed by the specific title designated by the student. (1 to 4)

BUSA 302 : Business Finance

Foundations of finance (e.g., time-value, risk-return relationship, market efficiency, cost of capital), corporate finance (e.g., statement analysis, decision making, capital structure, firm financing), asset pricing (e.g., valuation, diversification), and an introduction to selected topics (e.g., behavioral finance, ethics, investments, international finance), with an emphasis on using spreadsheets to develop quantitative skills. Prerequisite: BUSA 203. (4)

BUSA 303 : Business Law and Ethics

Foundation in U.S. business law and the U.S. legal system. Legal principles governing contract, tort, agency, intellectual property, employment, consumer law and the legal structures of business organizations. Explores legal issues raised by operating in a global environment. Analyzes the ethical duties of those in business, including obligations under professional codes of ethics, and explores the interrelationship of law, ethics, and principles of sustainability in the business context. Note that BUSA 303 and 304 may not both be taken for credit. Open to any major with permission of instructor. (4)

BUSA 304 : Business Law and Ethics for Financial Professionals

For finance, accounting, or similar fields which demand an understanding of the laws affecting financial transactions, including the Uniform Commercial Code articles dealing with negotiable instruments, sales contracts, and secured lending. Surveys significant areas of business law including contract, tort, agency, employment, legal structures of business, creditor/debtor rights and securities regulations. Analyzes the ethical duties of financial professionals, including those under professional codes of ethics, and explores the interrelationship of law, ethics and principles of sustainability. Note that BUSA 303 and 304 may not both be taken for credit. (4)

BUSA 305 : Behavior in Organizations

Exploration of how to organize and manage in today's context of changing internal and external demands and expectations, with emphasis on group and individual dynamics, teamwork and related topics in managing human resources. Studies how tasks, processes, individuals, groups, and structure relate to one another and to effective organizational performance. (4)

BUSA 308 : Principles of Marketing

Introduces the role of sustainable marketing in a global society. Particular focus on identifying market-related variables controlled by the firm, and defining how they are used in formulating marketing strategy. Emphasis is on the role of the consumer. (4)

BUSA 309 : Creating Value in Operations

The holistic study of the organization and management of value producing processes in services, manufacturing, and other economic activities. (4)

BUSA 310 : Information Systems and Database Management

Introduction to information technology and systems from a management perspective. Strategic use of technology and systems, and impacts on industry competition, corporate strategy, organization structure, and the firm's value creation process. Basic concepts, strategies, and features of database design and management and how database applications support managerial decision-making and business operations. (4)

BUSA 320 : Accounting Information Systems

Study of the flow of accounting information through an enterprise, systems documentation, internal controls, and database applications in accounting. Prerequisite: BUSA 202. (4)

BUSA 321 : Intermediate Accounting I

Concentrated study of the conceptual framework of accounting, valuation theories, asset and income measurement, and financial statement disclosures in the U.S. and abroad. Prerequisite: BUSA 203 or permission of the instructor. (4)

BUSA 322 : Intermediate Accounting II

Advanced study of, and research on measurement and valuation of assets, liabilities and income, and financial statement disclosure issues. Includes evaluation of U.S. framework relative to those of other international frameworks. Prerequisite: BUSA 321. (4)

BUSA 323 : Cost Accounting and Control Systems

A critical examination of systems for cost accounting and managerial control. Emphasis on development of skills to critique cost and control systems and to understand the dynamic relationship between systems, operations, strategy, and performance evaluation. Prerequisite: BUSA 203. (4)

BUSA 332 : Managing Personal Finances

An interdisciplinary course to help students manage their personal financial lives by examining financial planning topics from both theoretical and applications perspectives. Draws upon concepts and theories from finance, economics, law and consumer psychology. No prerequisites and open to any major. (4)

BUSA 335 : Investments and Portfolio Management

Theory and practice of securities (e.g., stocks, bonds, derivatives, hybrids) valuation as well as portfolio construction and evaluation. Emphasis on applying classroom concepts in real-time to student-managed portfolios. Exposure to complicating factors including taxes, the risk-return relationship, pricing anomalies, and behavioral issues in investing. Prerequisite: BUSA 302. (4)

BUSA 337 : International Finance and Risk Management

Management of cross-border financial issues, including managing exchange rates, accessing global capital markets, conducting foreign investment, and financing foreign trade. Techniques (e.g., options, swaps, futures, insurance) and firm decisions (degrees of economic, operating, and financial leverage) are considered both generally (to firm risk), and specifically to international issues. Prerequisite: BUSA 302. (4)

BUSA 340 : Non-Profit Management

Introduction to managing or working with non-profits including aspects of unique governance and organizational structures, strategic planning, change management, marketing, financial management, legal and tax issues, and HRM for paid and volunteer staff. How increasing focus on professionalism, accountability and non-profit enterprise requires business acumen and knowledge of non-profit sector distinctiveness. No prerequisites and open to any major. (4)

BUSA 342 : Managing Human Resources

HR's changing role in organizations, workforce planning, job analysis and design, staffing, talent and performance management, total rewards, retention, risk management, and employee and labor relations, with emphasis on employment law and managing diversity. Integration of globalization, ethics, HR metrics, and HR's use of technology. Prerequisite: BUSA 305 or permission of instructor. (4)

BUSA 352 : Global Management

Integrated study of challenges faced by managers in large and small organizations as they do business globally. Competencies involved in communicating, negotiating, strategizing, organizing, making decisions, leading people, and managing a multicultural workforce across borders and cultures. Prerequisite: BUSA 305. (4)

BUSA 358 : Entrepreneurship

Intensive study of issues and challenges associated with start-up, growth, and maturation of a new enterprise. Emphasizes reduction of risk through planning for and assessing possible future conditions. (4)

BUSA 361 : e-Marketing

Provides an overview of marketing issues associated with marketing by electronic means, including the Internet, by businesses and non-profit organizations. Explores how e-marketing fits in the organization's overall marketing strategy. Prerequisite: BUSA 308. (4)

BUSA 362 : Sustainable Marketing

Investigates the environmental impact of marketing decisions of both product and service organizations as well as how marketing practices impact business sustainability. Addresses ethical concerns of overconsumption and materialism. For this class, sustainability refers to the organization accounting for its social, environmental and economic impacts. Prerequisite: BUSA 308 or permission of instructor for non-business majors. (4)

BUSA 363 : Consumer Behavior

Processes involved as consumers gain awareness, establish purchasing criteria, screen information, make decisions and dispose of consumer goods, services, ideas or experiences. Consumer behavior will be examined to identify how it affects marketing, strategy and how marketing affects behavior. Prerequisite: BUSA 308. (4)

BUSA 364 : Services Marketing

Addresses distinctive characteristics and principles associated with services enterprises. Model for identifying problems undermining service organization performance, and strategies to overcome and enhance services marketing organization performance. Prerequisite: BUSA 308. (4)

BUSA 387 : Special Topics in Business Administration

BUSA 388 : Special Topics in Business Administration

Special Topics. (1 to 4)

BUSA 389 : Special Topics in Business Administration

BUSA 422 : Consolidations and SEC Reporting

Concentrated study of equity measurement including the accounting aspects of partnerships, corporations, and consolidations. Also includes accounting for multinational corporations. Prerequisite: BUSA 321. (4)

BUSA 423 : Accounting for Nonprofits and Governmental Entities

Study of fund accounting, including its conceptual basis, its institutional standard setting, framework, and current principles and practices. Prerequisite: BUSA 321. (4)

BUSA 424 : Auditing

Comprehensive study of auditing concepts and procedures. Recommended: BUSA 320 as prerequisite or co-requisite. (4)

BUSA 427 : Tax Accounting

Study of income tax concepts, regulation and tax planning principles. Both individual income taxation and business taxation are discussed. (4)

BUSA 430 : Finance for Entrepreneurial and Privately-Held Firms

Methods of financing and managing privately-held firms. Topics include private firm valuation issues, financing sources and methods, venture and private equity markets, and exit and outcomes for entrepreneurial and privately-held firms. Prerequisite: BUSA 302. (4)

BUSA 437 : Financial Analysis and Strategy

Intermediate treatment of capital budgeting (and decision-making), valuation, forecasting, risk and return analysis, capital structure, and cost of capital. This course covers the essential tools of corporate finance, while illustrating corporate finance/corporate strategy interdependences through the use of cases. Prerequisite: BUSA 302. (4)

BUSA 438 : Empirical Finance

Covers selected seminal finance theories, as well as relevant empirical methods. Applying empirical methods to test key asset pricing and corporate finance topics using real data. Theories covered and empirical methods employed will depend on instructor. Prerequisites: BUSA 302 and four hours from BUSA 335, 337, 430, or 437; or BUSA 302 and co-enrollment in one of BUSA 335, 337, 430, or 437; or permission of instructor. (4)

BUSA 440 : Knowledge Management

Examines organizational mechanisms, leadership requirements, and technologies for leveraging knowledge and human performance. Foundations and practices for knowledge creation, transfer and integration, and role of knowledge management in the various management disciplines. Prerequisites: BUSA 305, 310. (4)

BUSA 442 : Leading Organizational Improvement

Development of leader competencies and practices that promote organizational development and change, employee involvement and teamwork, culture change, and continuous organization learning and problem solving. Prerequisites: BUSA 305, 342. (4)

BUSA 449 : Strategic Human Resource Management

Seminar course on topics of strategic transformation: HRM as a decision science to measure its impact and build competitive advantage and workforce engagement in alignment with organizational strategy, and internal/external environments. Advanced business students, in consultation with the instructor, select appropriate topics for research and discussion. Prerequisite: BUSA 305. Co-requisite: BUSA 342 or permission of instructor. (4)

BUSA 460 : International Marketing

Introduction to marketing problems and opportunities in an international context. Investigation of economic, cultural, and business forces that require changes in marketing plans for international companies. Prerequisites: BUSA 308 or permission of instructor for non-business majors. (4)

BUSA 467 : Marketing Research

Investigation of techniques and uses of marketing research in the business decision-making process. Research design, survey methods, sampling plans, data analysis, and field projects. Prerequisites: BUSA 308. (4)

BUSA 468 : Marketing Management

Choosing target markets, acquiring and keeping customers by creating, delivering and communicating customer value. The course may include a service-learning project. Prerequisites: BUSA 308, 363, 467. (4)

BUSA 485 : Study Away in Business

PLU-sponsored academic or experiential study in other countries. Prerequisite: Junior standing or permission of instructor. (1 to 32)

BUSA 486 : Study Away in Business

PLU-sponsored academic or experiential study in other countries. Prerequisite: Junior standing or permission of instructor. (1 to 32)

BUSA 486A : SA: Business Culture in China - C

Study away in China, focusing on the changing business environment and business culture in leading urban centers. New policies, practices and markets as China's economy evolves. Visits to enterprises and cultural-historical sites, meetings with managers and local experts on contemporary Chinese culture and business. Junior standing or permission of instructor. Prerequisite: Junior standing or permission of instructor. (4)

BUSA 487 : Special Topics in Business Administration

BUSA 488 : Special Topics in Business Administration

Seminar on specifically selected topics in business. (1 to 4)

BUSA 489 : Special Topics in Business Administration

Seminar on specifically selected topics in business. (1 to 4)

BUSA 491 : Independent Study

Individualized studies in consultation with an instructor. Prerequisites: Junior standing, instructor approval, and approval by dean or his/her designate. (1 to 4)

BUSA 495 : Internship

Application of business knowledge in field setting. Credit granted determined by hours spent in working environment and depth of project associated with the course of study. Internships do not apply to concentration requirements. Pass/Fail. (1 to 4)

BUSA 499 : Capstone: Strategic Management - SR

Capstone seminar for business majors. Strategic decision-making by integrating all business functions to formulate and implement business policies and strategies to achieve organizational objectives; apply appropriate methodologies, concepts, and tools pertinent to strategic analyses and discuss implications of industry structure, organization resources and capabilities, business ethics and social responsibility, sustainability, and global competitive conditions in selecting courses of action. Prerequisites: BUSA 302, 303 or 304, 305, 308, 309, 310, and senior standing. Last semester or permission of dean or his/her designate. (4)